Civil War "Bullet-in-Wood"

“Bullet-in-Wood”. It is difficult to determine the caliber because it is deeply embedded, however it is a large caliber Minie Ball and no doubt fired from a musket (.58 or .69 cal.). It measures approximately 2 ¼” x 1 ¼”. The lead from the bullet has a chemical reaction with the wood which in turn will often preserve the wood that surrounds the projectile. This piece was recovered from the Five Forks, Virginia Battlefield.

On April 1, 1865, Gen. Robert E. Lee ordered Pickett with his infantry division to hold the vital crossroads of Five Forks at all hazard. While Sheridan’s cavalry pinned the Confederate force in position, the V Corps under Maj. Gen. G.K. Warren attacked and overwhelmed the Confederate left flank, taking many prisoners. Sheridan personally directed the attack, which extended Lee’s Petersburg lines to the breaking point. Loss of Five Forks threatened Lee’s last supply line, the South Side Railroad. The next morning, Lee informed Jefferson Davis that Petersburg and Richmond must be evacuated. This unique artifact is a very solid piece and they were a favorite souvenir amongst the Civil War veterans.